Trust-building is crucial for sustaining confidence with communities – Police Commander

Upper West Regional Police Commander, Mr Francis Yiribaare, has highlighted the critical role of trust-building in maintaining public confidence and regional peace. He emphasized that sustained interaction with community members, coupled with regular patrols, intelligence gathering, and conflict resolution, is vital to preventing crime and addressing tensions before they escalate into violence.

This perspective was shared during a community policing validation workshop in Wa, organized by the Upper West Regional Police Command in collaboration with the Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM). The workshop followed the training of 90 police officers from various districts in the Upper West Region, aimed at fostering better relations between law enforcement and civilians to maintain peace and order.

Participants, including beneficiaries of the training and Ghana Immigration Service officers, evaluated the impact of this initiative on police operations in the districts. Yiribaare explained that the Regional Police Command has integrated trust-building activities into its daily operations through "confidence and trust-building patrols."

These patrols are not merely about deterring crime but involve active engagement with motorists and community members to gather information on emerging security issues. He stressed that these patrols are crucial for sustaining the trust the community has in the police. Yiribaare also stressed the importance of clear communication, professional conduct, and addressing misinformation to maintain public confidence.

The Upper West Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, Mr Clifford Tampuori, called for a coordinated approach to community policing, advocating for a regional coordination framework, improved public education, and stronger collaboration among security agencies to enhance community safety. Tampuori emphasized that effective community policing requires clearly defined institutional responsibilities, improved communication and accountability mechanisms, and community participation in identifying and addressing security concerns.

He suggested the establishment of a community policing coordination framework to provide clear pathways for referral, communication arrangements, and accountability requirements. Ms Ekanem Bassey, Head of Sub Office of CSSM, praised the Upper West Regional Police Command for its ownership of the community policing initiative and the application of training skills in their routine operations.

She emphasized that community policing is a continuous responsibility rather than a one-time intervention and urged the police service to integrate this approach into their operational plans and regular community engagements.